5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do This Summer in the Smokies

Are you looking for things to do during your summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains? Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have so much to offer this season! Whether you’re interested in exciting adventures or relaxing activities, you’ll have no trouble finding something for each member of your family to enjoy! Keep reading to find out some of the best things to do this summer in the Smokies.

1. Discover Waterfalls in the National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many great trails to hike in summer, including trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls! There are many stunning waterfalls near Gatlinburg to discover, including the popular Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, Ramsey Cascades, and Cataract Falls. The trails to these waterfalls range from short and easy to longer, more challenging hikes. When you reach the falls, the mist coming off the cascading water will feel nice and refreshing on a warm summer day. You can even dip your toes in the water to help you cool off!

2. Reach New Heights at Mountaintop Attractions

One of the can’t-miss things to do this summer in the Smokies is getting a bird’s-eye view at mountaintop attractions. Visit Ober Mountain in summer to enjoy wonderful mountain views, high-speed rides, refreshing ice skating, wildlife exhibits, and plenty of family-friendly fun! The Gatlinburg SkyPark features a chairlift with fantastic views as well as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America and scenic walking trails high above downtown Gatlinburg. Other mountaintop attractions you need to experience this summer include Anakeesta, SkyLand Ranch, and Pigeon Forge mountain coasters!

3. Explore Ripley’s Attractions

You can’t visit the Smokies this summer without exploring at least one of the many Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg! Many of these attractions are indoors, making them great for cooling off on a warm day or escaping a rain shower. One of the most popular Ripley’s attractions is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which features hands-on exhibits and magnificent aquatic creatures from around the world. For a unique experience, head to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and uncover a world of oddities and interactive elements. There are also Ripley’s attractions that offer spooky scares, unique challenges, and competitive fun for the entire family!

4. Try Local Spirits

One of the best things to do for adults this summer in the Smokies is trying local spirits! If you enjoy wine, you’ll love trying new flavors at the many great wineries in the area. Explore the Gatlinburg Wine Trail to sample the most delicious wines made locally in the Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountain area is also famous for its moonshine. There are a number of excellent distilleries in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains where you can try varieties of moonshine, whiskey, and other spirits as well as learn more about the distilling process!

5. Stay Next to a Refreshing River

Nothing beats spending your summer in the Smokies by a river! When you stay at one of our amazing Gatlinburg cabins on the river, you can sit back and relax to the peaceful sounds of the water while enjoying beautiful views of nature all around. If you need to cool off on a warm day, stick your feet in the refreshing current and feel all your worries wash away. These cabins offer many other great amenities to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, such as spacious living areas, comfortable furniture, fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, fire pits, outdoor grills, and more!

Spend Your Summer in the Smokies at an Affordable Cabin

These are some of the best things to do this summer in the Smokies! Are you planning a summer vacation on a budget and need a cheap place to stay? Don’t worry–there are so many ways to save money in an affordable Gatlinburg cabin rental! For a budget-friendly Smoky Mountain vacation, browse our selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals and book the perfect place to stay today!